The PlayStation 5 will debut in 2020, but it won’t debut on what has traditionally been video gaming’s biggest stage. Talking with GamesIndustry.biz, a spokesperson for Sony Interactive Entertainment stated that the organization doesn’t agree with the vision that the Electronic Software Association has for E3 2020. They’ll be skipping the event for the second year in a row, and state that they will instead attend “hundreds of consumer events to showcase upcoming games for PS4 and PS5.”
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“After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020. We have great respect for the ESA as an organization, but we do not feel the vision of E3 2020 is the right venue for what we are focused on this year.” Sony has premiered all their previous home consoles at E3 events, going all the way back to the first E3 housing the details for the US launch of the original PlayStation.
“We will build upon our global events strategy in 2020 by participating in hundreds of consumer events across the globe. Our focus is on making sure fans feel part of the PlayStation family and have access to play their favorite content. We have a fantastic line up of titles coming to PlayStation 4, and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation 5, we are truly looking forward to a year of celebration with our fans.”
The ESA has had a rough time rousing support for E3 after a tumultuous launch of public ticket sales and a doxing controversy this past year. Rumors and leaked plans indicate that this year’s show floor will focus on paid influencer appearances and showcase stages designed to create FOMO (or Fear Of Missing Out) among attendees.
Microsoft has previously stated that they will be in attendance with a press conference at this year’s show, but they have moved their booth to the nearby Microsoft Theater in recent years. Nintendo is expected to continue with its Nintendo Direct strategy, although there’s no confirmation if they’ll have a lavish booth in 2020.
